Volunteer

We Invite You to Make a Difference

Volunteers help Ritter Center prevent homelessness and serve those who are living in poverty or homeless in Marin County. We have a large and dedicated group of volunteers, without whom we could not accomplish everything that we do.

We invite you to get involved

Even a few hours here and there can make a big difference. We have opportunities for volunteers to work directly with our clients, as well helping with fundraising, outreach, and general administrative tasks. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at Ritter Center, please call Shaun Marshall, Services and Volunteer Coordinator at: 415-457-8182 x109.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

We need volunteers to help provide low-income, seniors, disabled, homeless, and at risk people in the community with weekly supplemental food grocery assistance. Ritter Center on average feeds 350 people per week at our food pantry.

Responsibilities:

• Help put away the daily pantry order
• Assist in stocking shelves, bagging up bulk fruits and vegetables, and breaking down materials
• Help with the distribution of pantry food directly to clients

An orientation is required, and training will be provided. Volunteers will gain experience in helping run a community food pantry as well as in working with many diverse people in the community. In addition, volunteers will learn the value of working as a team to meet a common goal of providing needed food to the community.

Working in the food pantry requires casual dress. Usually, jeans and a t-shirt are best. It is safer to wear closed toes shoes, since things may get dropped in transit.

Molly’s Story

“As I write my last entry and think about my experience at the Ritter Center, I cannot help but give my gratitude toward all the individuals I encountered on Tuesday mornings. I was fortunate enough to have worked with a wonderful community partner that allowed me to give back to my community. My last day at The Ritter Center was much like any other Tuesday morning, I continued to work in the food pantry and engaged with the individuals that came to the door. In all honesty, before working with The Ritter Center, I had a negative opinion towards the center, much like many of my Dominican neighbors do. I felt as though services like The Ritter House or Vinnies, drew the homeless into my community and enabled these individuals instead of helping them. My opinion has changed, and I can now see and understand that The Ritter Center acts as a safety net for many individuals living in Marin County. These “people” that I see hanging out or panhandling on the street corners have a story, a reason or root cause that has lead them into homelessness. I now realize that the Ritter Center is a vital and responsive community partner, providing health and social services to the underserved. Earlier this week I saw a sign that read “San Rafael needs the Ritter Center” and I couldn't agree more! I thank everyone working at the Ritter Center, as they are a big part of our community in San Rafael and hope that they are able to continue the care for many more years to come.”

A participant of the Service-Learning Program, Dominican University

Ritter Center
16 Ritter St. San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 457-8182

Get involved!
The Ritter Center is always in need of volunteers. Get involved and help make a difference.

About usRitter Center helps prevent homelessness and improve the health and well-being of individuals and families living in poverty in San Rafael and Marin County.